Reversible alopecia universalis during treatment with PEG-interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C.

ABSTRACT

The combination of PEG-interferon and ribavirin is currently recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, which is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hair disorders have often been described during interferon therapy, which include reversible hair discoloration, hypertricosis and alopecia. Ribavirin is reported to cause photoallergic reactions. We report two cases of alopecia universalis, with complete hair loss extended to the whole body, secondary to PEG-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Both female patients were infected by genotype 1 and presented alopecia during the second half of a 48-week therapy, concurrently with low levels of ferritin and thyroid dysfunction (patient 1) or depression (patient 2). Patient 1 withdrew from the therapy on week 26 and, due to the occurrence of maculo-erythematous cutaneous eczema, underwent corticosteroid therapy with complete hair regrowth. Patient 2 completed the scheduled therapy and showed a spontaneous complete hair regrowth. It should be noted that in spite of an early (within 4 weeks of therapy) virological response, patient 1 had a disease relapse after therapy withdrawal and corticosteroid therapy, while patient 2 maintained a sustained virological response. In conclusion, interferon therapy may trigger reversible alopecia universalis in susceptible patients. However, given the benign and reversible nature of this side effect, patients who achieve a virological response should be strongly advised to complete the treatment in order to prevent disease relapse.